It's funny how the most amazing things in life seem to fall in your lap when you're not even looking for them. That is how this Kilimanjaro experience came to Cameron. We were visiting our new friends Stephen and Tracey in Pretoria and Stephen shared his innovative and awe inspiring fundraising idea. Cam was encouraged and got involved in his efforts, and next thing you know he's outfitted and ready to climb the largest freestanding mountain in the world!
It was fun to watch the team of men train together and go through the preparations on the physical, spiritual and organizational side. This was our first venture into formalized fundraising, so we were on a huge learning curve. The kids and I had a blast centering our schooling around all things Kilimanjaro. We learned about mountain ecology, Tanzania, the human body in extremes, and how to not worry about Daddy while he was gone for a week! We had a fun send off for him at home complete with posters and a big goodbye.
The plan was to be able to receive up to the minute reports from the mountain so we would know at all times where our men were. I was the "marketing" coordinator at home and would post their progress along the way. It was so amazing to be in touch with so many people around the world who were cheering the guys on their journey. You realize just how large your prayer network is when you're involved in something like this.
The South African wives on summit eve with the Blewetts
The night and early morning of the summit was grueling for the women as we had no contact with the men. We knew that Cam and Matt had experienced some mountain sickness, but did not know how the group was enduring. The mountain was not our friend as we sat nervous, hoping no news was good news. We decided to all go out to dinner and a movie (Julie and Julia) to take our minds off of it.
Our team of men made it through and 4 of them made the summit. We had quite a fright when Mark was put in hospital the next week, but he recovered fully and all of the men had great experiences. Mark put together a video presentation of their journey (hey maybe that's what he did with all of that hospital time!) and Zazz put together a beautiful coffee table photo book as a lasting memory.
Thanks to everyone for their support, encouragement, donations and prayers! The funds are still coming in and we are so thankful for the opportunity to help the children of South Africa through this project.
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